PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says he’s concerned over the ongoing delay by responsible authorities to purchase a bio-security machine for our international airport.
Mr Sogavare was responding to questions raised in parliament over government’s slow response to getting the bio-security machine.
Parliament was told it is a requirement under the Pacer Plus for countries to have bio-security machines to enable them to export root crops to markets in Australia and New Zealand.
Fiji installed that machine 15 years ago.
Solomon Islands is still to get one.
The machine costs only around $2million or $3million compared to the $16million expenses of overseas trips by government every year.
However, Mr Sogavare said he had asked the responsible ministries to reveal the cost of the machine and how it looks like, but they failed to approach him until today.
He said he had talk with foreign ministers of Australia and New Zealand about it and he expected those authorities responsible to get back to him on the costs of the machine.
He said this is important to enable us to prepare to meet the standard requirements of overseas markets, when we are ready to export our product.
“Once we address this, we will be able to help our rural dwellers engage into economic activities,” Mr Sogavare said.
By AATAI JOHN
